Cubs, Marmol close to long-term contract

Deal should be announced before next weekend

Carlos Marmol delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. (Jody Gomez-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE)

Baseball sources tell us that Cubs GM Jim Hendry is close to finalizing a long-term deal with closer Carlos Marmol.

The contract should be announced before pitchers and catchers report to spring training next weekend.

Word on the street:Bruce Levine of WMVP-AM 1000 is celebrating 20 years of hosting "Talking Baseball" this year. … Northwestern women's lacrosse coach Kelly Amonte Hiller was named this week by ESPN The Magazine as one of the top 20 college recruiters in the country. … Comcast SportsNet will celebrate Black History Month by presenting stories that highlight the impact of local African-American athletes. Shows air Tuesdays in February, at 10 and 10:30 p.m.

Local attractions: The Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox franchises are teaming up to host the inaugural "Home Team Charity Run" on April 3. A portion of proceeds from the race will be split among the teams' respective charities. The 10K run will start at the United Center and finish at U.S. Cellular Field. Visit hometeamcharityrun.org.